1 This is the third time{tritos: repeated occurrence} I am coming to you. Every matter must be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses{martures: legal witnesses}.
2 I have spoken previously and now give advance warning once more—as though I were present the second time {paron: earlier visit}, and now being absent—to those who sinned earlier and to all the rest, that if I return, I will not spare {pheisomai: withhold punishment}.
3 Because you are looking for proof {dokimen: confirming test} that Christ {Christos, Speaking Through Paul} is speaking in me, know that He is not weak toward you, but shows His power among you.
4 For He was crucified out of weakness {astheneia: human frailty}, yet He lives by the power of God {Theos, Source of Resurrection}. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him by the power of God in our dealings toward you.
5 Continue testing yourselves to confirm whether you are in the faith; continue examining yourselves. Or do you not recognize within yourselves that Jesus Christ {Iesous Christos, Indwelling Savior} is in you, unless indeed you are disqualified {adokimos: not approved}?
6 But I hope {elpizo: confident expectation} that you will come to know that we are not disqualified {adokimoi: rejected after testing}.
7 We now pray to God {Theos, Hearer of Prayer} that you do no evil at all; not so that we may appear approved {dokimos: tested and genuine}, but so that you may do what is good, even if we should be found disapproved.
8 For we have no ability {dynamai: power to act} to do anything contrary to the truth {aletheia: dependable reality}, but only in support of it.
9 For we rejoice {khairomen: pastoral joy} whenever we are weak and you are strong; and this also we pray for, your restoration {katartisin: spiritual wholeness}.
10 For this reason, I am writing these matters in my absence, so that when I am present I may refrain from severe action, according to the authority which the Lord {Kyrios, Giver of Authority} has entrusted to me for edification {oikodome: spiritual strengthening} rather than destruction.
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Pursue restoration {katartizesthe: grow mature}, draw comfort, align your thinking, and live in peace; and the God of love and peace {Theos tes agapes kai eirenes, Abiding Peace-Giver} will be with you.
12 Greet one another {allelous: mutual care} with a holy kiss {philema: affectionate greeting}.
13 All the saints {hagioi: community set apart} greet {aspazontai: extend warm blessing} you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ {Kyrios Iesous Christos, Blessing Mediator}, and the love of God {Theos, Loving Father}, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit {Hagios Pneuma, Uniting Presence}, be with you all.